From the trailhead to the start of the forested section of the River Trail, the trail is predominantly flat, wide and made of small crushed gravel. In Fall and Winter, small puddles that do not block passage may form. In major rain events, there are portions of the trail that can flood and become impassable. The forested section of the trail is a natural surface and can become slightly muddy during the rainy season, but not to the point of mobility devices becoming stuck.
At the beginning of the River Trail, at the Education Shelter, there is a surface transition from hard pavers to small crushed gravel. The transition height between the surfaces is less than one inch.
The River Trail contains a good number of benches every 100-200 yards, many of which are shaded in the Spring and Summer. Some are in larger rest areas that also double as "exploration sites" for field trips.
The River Trail has two metal footbridges with attached traction pads. The transition height between the gravel trail and bridge is less than one inch. In the Fall and Winter, rain can cause it to be muddy near the bridge and the bridge can become slippery with wet leaves.
The River Observation Deck is a concrete platform that juts out over the Tualatin River. The transition height between the gravel trail and concrete is one inch or less. The railing has lower sections that improve viewing for people in mobility devices and of lower stature. Look for animal tracks in the concrete that tell stories of wildlife behavior.
At the turnaround point of the River Trail is the Wetland Overlook. This platform is wide, flat and the transition height between the gravel trail and concrete is less than one inch. The overlook has benches year-round and shade in the Spring/Summer. Be sure to look for animal prints in the concrete that tell stories of wildlife behavior.
This image shows the narrowest section of the River Trail to the left of the tree. The trail is otherwise at least 36 inches wide, as it is to the right of the tree. Also pictured is the typical condition of the natural surface in the forested section of the trail. Be aware in the Fall and Winter it can be somewhat muddy and covered in wet leaves.
This image shows the greatest cross-slope along the River Trail. While not an extreme slope, because it is combined with a bend in the trail it is worth being aware, particularly for people with mobility challenges and using mobility devices. The trail at this point is wide, so navigating to a flatter section is possible.
While most of the River Trail is flat, there is one particularly steep optional section called the Ridgetop Overlook Spur Trail. At the top, you will find a somewhat obstructed overhead view of the refuge's wetlands. There is a bench for resting at the Ridgetop Overlook. You can navigate the rest of the River Trail without using this spur trail.
Several places along the River Trail have interpretive signs to learn more about the wildlife and habitats of the refuge. The signs are approximately 32 inches off the ground with space underneath to get close for people using mobility devices.
Most of the Wetland Trail is a service road that is still occasionally used by staff. Always be on the lookout for slow-moving vehicles. The slope is flat for most of the trail and made of larger pieces of crushed gravel. You may also encounter some shallow ruts from vehicle use. The trail is almost all wider than four feet and free of obstructions. There is little shade and no benches.
The Wetland Trail has two footbridges crossing over water. The trail transitions from crushed gravel to textured concrete with no more than a 1 inch ridge at the transition point.
The two footbridges on the Wetland Trail are flat and have a textured concrete surface to maintain traction, including when wet. Railings are installed on both sides for safety and have gaps between the vertical rungs for viewing.
The Wetland Trail has a pit toilet located about halfway along the trail when leaving from the Visitor Center. It's located at a Wayside parking area a little bit off the main trail. It's open year-round, even when the Wetland Trail is closed, due to the Wayside parking area being open year-round.
